PORTLAND, Ore. – On June 21, John Klum will take the oath of office and be sworn in as Fire Chief of Portland Fire & Rescue.

Klum has 30 years of service with Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R), serving in a supervisory capacity for 24 of those years.

John Klum - photo courtesy of portlandonline.com

"Twenty-three years experience in Emergency Operations, as well as serving in staff positions in numerous capacities throughout PF&R, has helped diversify my experience," Chief Klum says. "I've learned how PF&R operates, and how to work with other bureaus and stakeholders in the City. Working with those bureaus, agencies and stakeholders has provided me with a comprehensive perspective on what PF&R contributes to overall public safety."

Assignments in four of the five divisions within PF&R have allowed Chief Klum the opportunity to learn how each division and section operates. In those positions, he has learned what makes PF&R function, and how different sections provide services crucial to every day operations.

Chief Klum attributes much of his success to a willingness to take a leadership role in administration. Chief Klum looks forward to working with Fire Chief Dave Sprando on the leadership transition, to ensure continuation of high level emergency services.